MCGLYNN SWIPE AT PUNDITS
By Gary Ralston

STAND-IN Hearts boss John McGlynn has joined the critics of Scotsport SPL.

But it isn't Julyan or Sarah Owho are doing his head in - it's the pundits tipping Hibs to win today's derby.

McGlynn wants to hand over the reins to a new boss next week with Hearts still three points clear at the top of the SPL.

But the league leaders still found themselves being cast as the underdogs for the Easter Road clash when McGlynn tuned in to the show on Thursday night.

He said yesterday: "Everyone on a certain television programme last night was tipping Hibs to win.

"But when you are at the top you are there to be knocked down and we have to rise to that challenge.

"It's a difficult game for us.Hibs have done fantastically well this season and I have great respect for Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus.

"Hibs have been coming up on the rails and they have not been given the praise they deserve, probably because they did so well last season.

"It's very difficult to keep the standards up in your second year but Hibs have done that. They deserve great credit for hanging in there, on the blind side, and turning up some great results."

McGlynn has surely done enough in his third spell as caretaker boss to retain his position on the coaching staff under the new boss.

He would love the chance to work under the new man with Hearts having already interviewed Sir Bobby Robson and Claudio Ranieri.

McGlynn added: "I never asked to be in this position,I was put in it.

"If this is my last game in charge, I want to win it and hopefully hand over the team at the top of the league. That would give me great satisfaction, having kept this ship on the right lines.

"I'd relish the chance to work under Ranieri or Robson. I still have a lot to learn in the game.

"It's all still speculation at the moment and no decision has been made as far as I am aware but they are both greatly experienced gentlemen and I could only learn from them

Taken from the Daily Record